There is so much talent in the tattoo industry nowadays. The style and uniqueness of Eddie “Edball” Tana is what makes him stand out among the best out there. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1974, his parents moved the family to the US in search of a better life. Growing up in Fullerton, California, Eddie always had and showed ambition for independence and freedom of expression. Though there was no direct influence in arts from home, at the age of 15, Eddie began to be fascinated by art, particularly street art and tattoos. With tips from older and more experienced tattoo artists, Eddie began practicing his artwork and, by the age of 18, sold his car to afford his first tattoo kit and begin what would become a gateway to his success in tattooing.
First working on friends, Eddie was soon known as the go-to guy for all tattoo styles in Fullerton. In 1994, tattoo artist and friend Bob Nguyen, now owner of Bad Influence Tattoo, invited Eddie to join him in working in Hollywood, beginning his apprenticeship in Boulevard Tattoo with German native tattoo artist Uwe (RIP). Working there for 3 years and moving on to Studio City Tattoo for 1 ½ years gave Eddie the advantage of learning from artists such as world-renowned Austrian tattoo artist Pogo, Baby Ray (Spotlight Tattoo), independent tattoo artist Nina Depezo, Danny Wild (Tattoo Mania), Randy Howell (Hot Stuff Tattoo), Slick Rick (North Shore Tattoo), Rockwood (Studio City & Big Island Tattoo) and Jonas Westernland, Clay Decker (True Tattoo) would give a few tips as well.
By 1999, he opened his first tattoo shop with friend Bob Nguyen, calling it “Addictions Tattoo Inc.” in Orange County. By 2003, he left Addictions to open up the world-famous and finest tattoo shop in the Southern California area, OC Tattoo Inc. Obtaining plenty of experienced artists and working closely with other artists like Arnold Santos (Lefty’s Tattoo San Diego) allowed Eddie to become a top-of-the-line tattoo artist specializing in Japanese artwork and having a positive impact on his peers and clients. As a side, his local and loyal clients, Eddie has also inked celebrities like Tyrese Gibson (Singer/Actor), John Rzeznik (Goo Goo Dolls frontman), Wilford Brimley (Actor), Kenny Miller (Blood Shot Clothing Inc.), Tyler Evan (Motorcross), Troy Hoff (stuntman), MMA Fighters: Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Tim “Big Perm” Persey, Nam Phan, Justin Levens (RIP)and Johnny “knee” Dinh. Taking advantage of the opportunity to work in Hiratsuka, Japan, as a guest artist at “Homies Tattoo” from 2006-2007. Upon his arrival back in OC and realizing the lack of tattoo supplies available through suppliers, Eddie set his sights on becoming the best tattoo supplier in the country. He officially opened for business Element Tattoo Supply in June 2008.
Now doing his share in the tattoo industry for over 20 years, I have been a featured artist in magazines such as Inked, Lowrider, and many Japanese Magazines, not to mention his OC Tattoo Shop, praised as best in OC by OCweekly. Having overcome many obstacles life has brought, he has achieved all his success and is still the modest and down-to-earth guy he’s always been. Now, Eddie still works out of his OC Tattoo shop (appointment only) and is looking to expand the shop to have a special station only for guest artists and also open a 2nd tattoo shop in Costa Rica. Though it may seem he’s reached the top, Eddie knows there’s much more to accomplish. He just hasn’t figured it out yet.
As for OC Tattoo, Eddie has done many things that are not the norm in tattoo shops. He sponsors everything to bring his tattoo shop name up from bands like “A Thorn For Every Heart,” “Beauty School Drop Outs” and” Almost Home” Professional Poker players like “Tim Phan” , and Fighters Like “Quinton Rampage Jackson” just to name a few. Eddie is always looking out for new talent and is making his mark in everything he puts his heart into.
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